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The Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, on Friday, 20th February, paid an official visit to the Pademba Road Correctional Centre to assess conditions at the facility amid growing concerns over overcrowding and infrastructural challenges.
During the visit, Minister Lengor engaged the administration of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), focusing on measures to address congestion and improve the welfare of inmates, particularly those who are suffering from underlying illnesses.
The Minister assured the SLCS leadership of his commitment to engage the Ministry of Finance to address allocation and budgetary constraints affecting the facility. He emphasized the need for improved funding to enhance inmates’ living conditions and overall welfare.
According to Minister Lengor, reports have consistently highlighted severe overcrowding at the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre in Freetown, with significant backlogs in court cases contributing to prolonged detention for many inmates.
He advised the SLCS management to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the facility and develop practical modalities to decongest correctional centres across the country, including the construction of new facilities.
Following his inspection, Minister Lengor also held engagements with key justice sector stakeholders, including the Chief Justice, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and the Inspector General of Police, to expedite the handling of prolonged court cases involving inmates.
The visit forms part of the Minister’s oversight responsibilities aimed at strengthening internal security and ensuring public safety.
